Cases of silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, are on the rise among workers in California’s countertop fabrication industry. This alarming trend has prompted medical and occupational safety experts to warn that current regulations are insufficient to protect hundreds of young workers from contracting this debilitating illness. Experts emphasize the urgent need for the state to phase out hazardous engineered stone materials, similar to actions taken in Australia, to avert a growing health crisis.
The artificial stone commonly used in the United States often contains over 90% pulverized crystalline silica, significantly more than natural stones like marble and granite. When workers cut, polish, and grind these materials, tiny silica particles are released into the air. If inhaled, these particles can embed in the lungs, leading to tissue scarring that progressively hinders breathing. Inhalation of respirable silica has also been linked to severe health complications including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
According to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), between 1,000 and 1,500 stoneworkers in the state could develop silicosis in the next ten years, resulting in approximately 285 deaths. California’s countertop fabrication workforce consists of around 5,000 workers, primarily Latino immigrants.
One poignant case is that of a 43-year-old father of four who now relies on an oxygen machine after years of working with engineered stone. He awaits a double lung transplant and can no longer support his family. “I feel desperate just sitting here unable to do anything,” he lamented, highlighting the personal toll this health crisis takes on families.
Despite previous investigations, including a significant report by LAist in 2022 that identified a cluster of silicosis cases in Los Angeles, experts contend that the state has not made adequate progress in safeguarding workers. In a letter addressed to the state board responsible for workplace safety regulations, a group of doctors and worker advocates suggested the Governor’s Office issue an emergency declaration to pause the processing of artificial stone until a permanent ban is established. This recommendation, however, remains unprocessed.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office has not provided a comment on the potential ban. A spokesperson for the Department of Industrial Relations clarified that the draft memorandum referenced is an incomplete working document and has not undergone the necessary review. “Cal/OSHA continually works to protect the health and safety of California’s workers,” the spokesperson stated.
In response to the growing crisis, several organizations, including Cosentino North America, have reiterated that proper safety measures can prevent silicosis. The company emphasized its commitment to research and development to improve safety standards in the industry.
Despite existing regulations, compliance has proven problematic. As of October 16, 2023, 94% of the 107 worksites investigated by Cal/OSHA were found to have violations related to silica regulations. Many of these violations occur in small fabrication shops, where the cost of implementing sophisticated safety measures can be prohibitive.
Dr. Ryan Hoy, a respiratory physician and researcher at Monash University in Australia, compared California’s situation to that of Australia, which banned the use and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops in July 2024. He noted that while costs increased for manufacturers, consumers continued to purchase silica-free products, and the industry adapted without significant adverse effects.
California has attempted to introduce stricter safety measures, but progress has been slow. Dr. Hayley Barnes, a pulmonologist, expressed concern that many cases remain undiagnosed, emphasizing that the current regulations are ineffective in curbing the rise of silicosis cases. “We could do better. It’s been done elsewhere,” she said, advocating for a ban on artificial stone countertops.
As the health crisis escalates, many workers remain unaware of the dangers associated with artificial stone dust. The alarming rise of silicosis cases is reflected in the statistics; since 2019, more than 430 workers have been confirmed with the disease in California, with 25 fatalities and 48 lung transplants reported. The majority of those affected are Latino men, some as young as their twenties.
In a broader context, the global demand for artificial stone remains high, particularly in California, where rebuilding efforts following the January wildfires are expected to drive sales. This demand, combined with the lack of informed consumer awareness about the health risks to workers, complicates the path to reform.
As manufacturers begin to shift towards safer alternatives, the pressing question remains: will California take decisive action to protect its workers before it is too late?
